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Ramirez helps Tigers tie Yanks

Ramirez helps Tigers tie Yanks

By Bryan Hoch
/
MLB.com |

YANKEES 3, TIGERS 3 at Tampa, Fla.Saturday, March 31

Tigers at the plate: Wilkin Ramirez stroked an opposite-field single with the bases loaded in the fourth inning, cashing two runs for Detroit. Marcus Thames brought in the Tigers' third run with an infield groundout later in the inning.

Yankees at the plate: Josh Phelps punctuated his successful Spring Training by slugging his fourth home run of March in the third inning, blasting a solo shot to left. Johnny Damon tripled (one of two hits) and Derek Jeter brought home pinch-runner Kevin Thompson with a run-scoring single to left. Jorge Posada tied the game with an RBI single in the fourth.

Tigers on the mound: Mike Maroth worked four innings in his sixth and final Grapefruit League start of the year, allowing three runs on seven hits. Maroth walked none and struck out four, surrendering one home run. Jose Mesa relieved and threw a scoreless fifth inning and Wilfredo Ledezma held the Yankees silent in the sixth, striking out one.

Yankees on the mound: Kei Igawa came away satisfied after working on his changeup in his last spring effort, preparing for his scheduled Major League debut on Friday against the Orioles. The left-hander threw 72 pitches (45 strikes) in six innings against Detroit, allowing six hits and three earned runs. Igawa walked none and struck out three, hitting a batter.

Grapefruit League records: Tigers 20-10-3, Yankees 14-13-3

Up next: The Yankees open the 2007 regular season at Yankee Stadium on Monday, with right-hander Carl Pavano taking on the Devil Rays in a 1:05 p.m. ET start. Left-hander Scott Kazmir will start for Tampa Bay.

The Tigers hold their Opening Day festivities on Monday at Comerica Park, with right-hander Jeremy Bonderman taking on the Blue Jays and right-hander Roy Halladay. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.